GSK, LTZ Therapeutics Collaborate on Next-Gen Immunotherapies
The companies will leverage GSK’s scientific expertise with LTZ’s immune engager platform to develop new first-in-class MCE therapies for the treatment of hematologic cancers and solid tumors.
A strategic research collaboration has been formed between GSK and LTZ Therapeutics — an immunotherapy focused biotechnology company based in Redwood City, Calif. — aimed at progressing novel myeloid cell engagers (MCEs) that can help address unmet need in oncology. The collaboration is aimed at the development of four potential first-in-class MCE therapies for the treatment of hematologic cancers and solid tumors (1).
MCEs are emerging immunotherapies that work by using the immune system to recognize and kill tumor cells. As a result of this targeted approach, these therapies offer a favorable safety profile.
“This collaboration builds on GSK’s targeted investment in next-generation technologies to advance cancer medicines with transformative potential,” said Hesham Abdullah, Senior Vice President, Global Head Oncology, R&D, GSK, in a company press release (1). “By combining our scientific expertise with LTZ’s innovative immune-engager platform, we aim to accelerate first-in-class myeloid cell engager therapies in hematologic cancers and solid tumors to transform outcomes with a safety profile to enable broad community access for people living with cancer.”
“We are thrilled to enter a strategic agreement with GSK,” added Robert Li, Founder and CEO of LTZ, in the press release (1). “This collaboration marks a pivotal milestone in our mission to uncover the potential of myeloid biology to deliver new treatment options for diseases with significant unmet need. Working with GSK for oncology indications will enable us to accelerate this vision, uniting expertise, and a common goal of improving outcomes for patients.”
In February 2025, LTZ gained clearance from the FDA for its investigational new drug application of its MCE immunotherapy aimed at treating relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma, LTZ-301. Since the regulatory clearance, the company has entered the asset into clinical trials to ascertain a proof of concept for their approach (2).
“The FDA’s clearance, signaling the initiation of our Phase I study for LTZ-301, represents a significant milestone for the company,” commented Li, in a company press release about the clearance (2). “We look forward to advancing our lead asset into the clinic to evaluate our myeloid engager approach and its potential as an effective therapy for cancer and other indications, such as autoimmune diseases.”
“The company’s preclinical results have demonstrated promising activity and safety, suggesting applicability of LTZ’s platform to treat a variety of cancer indications and autoimmune diseases — where the unmet need is incredibly high,” noted Dr. Wayne Godfrey, Chief Medical Officer, LTZ, in the press release (2). “Through our first in-human trial, we aim to advance our understanding of the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and preliminary anti-tumor activity of LTZ-301, targeting CD79b-expressing B-cell lymphoma. I'm excited about the potential of LTZ’s innovative scientific approach and the opportunity to work with LTZ’s accomplished scientific team, with the end goal of improving patient outcomes.”
References
GSK. GSK and LTZ Announce Strategic Collaboration to Advance Novel Myeloid Cell Engagers in Oncology. Press Release, Nov. 19, 2025.
LTZ. LTZ Therapeutics Announces FDA Clearance of IND Application to Initiate Trial of First-in-Class Myeloid Engager Immunotherapy, LTZ-301. Press Release, Feb. 24, 2025.